Revisionist Gwyneth

Just finished reading the new issue of GOOP. As is normally the case, it’s a good one, because it’s not about food and/or babies. The style GOOPs are usually the best. And this one is about style. Upcoming style. Interviews with “tastemakers” about personal style and what’s ahead.

Also, get ready for it, there’s a Beyonce moment too. Remember when Beyonce interviewed herself in a movie about herself directed by herself? Sort of the same thing happens here with my G, and she takes the opportunity to namecheck her friends, including B, obviously:

I am most inspired by women friends who are incredibly stylish in their own way. Stella McCartney always looks amazing. She has a way of making you covet her sweatpants and t-shirt, she just wears clothes so well. I love Rashida Jones' hot nerd vibe and Beyonce’s playfulness in trying different trends. I love Cameron Diaz's ability to rock silver nails and layer tons of tiny gold jewelry. I am also very inspired by street style in London where I have lived pretty much for 10 years.

G is then asked about her favourite fashion moments. Surprisingly she does not mention the famous pink Ralph Lauren that she was wearing when she won Oscar. Instead, it’s the spectacular white Tom Ford cape dress from last year and a Prada gown in 2011 that will remind you of Anne Hathaway, non?

And her fashion faux pas?

The two looks I’ve attached here.

A too understated Calvin Klein in 2000 because, as she explains, she wanted to “disappear that year” and are you punching yourself in the face yet?

Also the memorable McQueen in 2002 which I’m actually kinda sad she’s turning on now because, look, the truth is, 18 months later, everyone started dressing like this. She was that far ahead. Now G feels she should have worn a bra, less makeup, and her hair in beachy waves. What? A revisionist Gwyneth?

It’s like revisionist Oscars and how everyone thinks Saving Private Ryan was robbed by Shakespeare In Love. Oh I know you’ll accuse me of Gwyneth Paltrow bias but I think it’s more like the other way around. She became so hated -- not unlike Anne Hathaway right now -- that you can’t separate how you feel about her from the film. Go and read that screenplay. And try and watch Shakespeare In Love without ripping out your cuticles every time G appears. It’s a brilliant story. It’s a brilliant story inspired by a brilliant source. I remember that year at TIFF, after it screened, cinephiles were losing their minds, it was so well received. Only afterwards, when Gwyneth (and Harvey Weinstein) became so associated with it, did the backlash begin.